May 16, 2024

Related Professionals: Douglas K. Rosenblum

An excerpt written by partner Douglas Rosenblum about his personal experience with pro bono work.

Pro bono representations have been critical to my development, both personally and professionally. I left my role as a prosecutor 15 years ago to pursue a career in private practice. From the day I left the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, I decided to volunteer my time as a child advocate. At all times since transitioning to private practice, I have represented at least one pro bono client under 18. I have represented children who have been victims of abuse and neglect, and I have represented children who were witnesses to horrific crimes. My clients have ranged from newborn babies to high school graduates. Donating my time free of charge has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

Pro bono representations, including child advocacy, require perspective and empathy. Many of my young clients have no concept of what a lawyer does, let alone how the justice system works. We, as attorneys, especially those in private practice, often take for granted that our clients have a fundamental understanding of our role and the legal process. We cannot and should not make such assumptions. I have learned that we should take the time necessary to ensure that our clients – including those who pay for our services and those who do not – understand what we are doing and why we do it. Clients come to us because they have a problem they would like to fix or a difficult issue they need to deal with. No matter the age of the client or size of the client’s bank account, we should educate them  in a compassionate and empathetic manner.

Nothing quite compares to the relief I see on the faces of my young pro bono clients when I explain that I represent them – not their parents, aunts, uncles, teachers, or coaches – just them for as long as it takes, day or night.   This makes them feel important; they feel seen and heard. They finally have someone in their corner to guide them through a new and uncertain process, and that brings with it a feeling of safety and security.

I would be remiss if I did not recognize the fantastic work by Mission Kids, Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, and their Philadelphia counterpart, the Support Center for Child Advocates. The youngest members of our community deserve the highest level of care, and the talented professionals in these organizations render extraordinary service for little or no pay. Indeed, they make the world a better place.

Reprinted with permission from the Spring 2024 edition of The Philadelphia Lawyer. All rights reserved.